We just mentioned about Microsoft’s upcoming Xbox 360 dashboard update in an article related to the collection of Xbox 720 console rumors, and right on cue, it appears that Microsoft has just slapped an official release date on when users can expect the update to land.

As far as we’re aware, Microsoft has yet to confirm the news themselves officially, but it is being widely reported that the company will drop the new dashboard update on Tuesday December 6th.

If this is the first time you’ve heard about a new update on the way, we can tell you that the new build will introduce a Windows Phone 7-style interface to Xbox 360 owners, while adding significant feature improvements as well.

Features noted so far include total Kinect integration on the dashboard allowing you to navigate through the menus hands-free, and also the rollout of new TV and movie services giving Xbox 360 users a much more on-demand media service straight from their consoles. Users will also get YouTube and Microsoft Bing search support, while confirmed TV services so far include the likes of BBC iPlayer, HBO, Lovefilm and Channel 4′s 4oD service.

We expect Microsoft to officially announce the date later on today, but it does seem apparent that December 6th is the date to look out for, according to a report by Kotaku. Based on leaked images and videos which have already surfaced, the new update is looking very slick indeed and it is one which Xbox 360 owners should start getting excited about. The idea of controlling the entire dashboard using your voice-only is a pretty impressive feature, one which Kinect owners cannot wait to try out we’re sure.

If you want to have a sneak peek of the new update, you can check out a video again here – it’s well worth spending a few minutes of your time to check this out. If you have already seen glimpses of the new update yourself or indeed sampled it on your console via Microsoft’s beta program, let us know your thoughts on the incoming update.